Cognitive deficits in bipolar disorder are neurodevelopmental rather than neurodegenerative in nature, a recent study has reported. Furthermore, cognitive impairment in bipolar patients appears to be stable, in the majority at least.

Long-term coffee intake does not contribute to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction, a recent prospective study suggests.

The study included 21,403 men aged 40 to 75 years. Total coffee, regular and decaffeinated coffee intakes were self-reported through food frequency questionnaires. A questionnaire was also used to evaluate ED at different time points (2000, 2004 and 2008).

In terms of decaffeinated coffee intake, the highest intake category increased the risk of incident ED by 37 percent (1.08 to 1.73; p=0.005 for trend) compared with the lowest intake category. Stratified analyses demonstrated this association among current smokers (p=0.005 for trend).

The current findings are different from that of a US study reporting reduced odds of prevalent ED with caffeine intake, especially an intake equivalent to approximately two to three daily cups of coffee (170 to 375 mg/day). This protective association was observed among overweight/obese and hypertensive men, but not among diabetic men. [PLoS One 2015;10:e0123547]

The inverse association between caffeine intake and ED has been attributed to a caffeine-triggered series of pharmacological effects that result in the relaxation of the penile helicine arteries and the cavernous smooth muscle that lines cavernosal spaces, thus increasing penile blood flow. [Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2004;31:82–85]

Cognitive deficits in bipolar disorder are neurodevelopmental rather than neurodegenerative in nature, a recent study has reported. Furthermore, cognitive impairment in bipolar patients appears to be stable, in the majority at least.